The Unequal System Of Privilege Within American Higher Education | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Unequal System Of Privilege Within American Higher Education

Rich kids born in to highly educated and powerful families are at an unfair advantage.

11
The Unequal System Of Privilege Within American Higher Education

In the United States today, a system exists where rich, powerful, and knowledgable families are able to remain at the top of society by way of America’s educational system. Parents who possess a greater level of education see greater success in their family and professional lives, which provides their offspring with an easier route to higher education and thereby high social status.

There exists a plutocratic system, be it within government or education, where kids are too readily born in with assured success and where less privileged kids are troubled by a system that often relies far too little on merit. Although not the fault of rich families, those whom are well educated, leading successful professional lives are able to pass down benefits to their kin that enable them to have a leg up on the rest of the college applicant pool.

The United States government is one of only a few nations in the world that spends more on school districts in rich areas of the country than in poor ones. This creates a disparity among the quality of education that students receive immediately starting school-based on where they are born and to what type of family they’re born in to. These schools, due to greater funding, are able to provide their students with greater academic assets such as a wide array of extra curricular activities within athletics or the arts.

This is where things begin to become unfair; students born into districts that receive less funding do not have the ability to market themselves to a college recruiter the way their fellow student from a rich district can. And that’s thanks to the US government improperly distributing funds.

An article in The Economist titled “America’s New Aristocracy" perpetuates the notion that poor but clever kids are at a huge disadvantage when it comes to seeking out higher education. “The solution is not to discourage rich people from investing in their children, but to do a lot more to help clever kids who failed to pick posh parents.”

The author of this article suggests that the government ramps up its investment in early education, when the brain is most impressionable and hungry for knowledge.

“Improving early child care in the poorest American neighborhoods yields returns of ten to one or more; few other government investments pay off so handsomely,” the articles states.

Investing in areas where children are at the most fundamental stages of development would wholly benefit the quality of education those students would receive. If more kids who formerly would not have had the opportunity to have a strong educational foundation received a quality preschool or daycare education, they would more readily wish to continue into higher education, thereby increasing the quality of all university students.

What we need is a system that is based on merit; one that rewards the brightest up-and-coming students, not those who are able to afford an expensive Chinese tutor or are born with the last name of an alumnus. The author of The Economist piece says it best, “America’s universities need an injection of meritocracy.”

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

7497
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

3414
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

2487
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2287
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments